Four motorists have been put on notice following an Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) roadside operation this week targeting noisy vehicles in St Kilda.
The joint operation took place with Victoria Police and the Sheriff’s Department on the corner of Blessington Street and Marine Parade on Wednesday morning.
EPA officers assessed seven vehicles for excessive noise and found four exceeded legal noise limits.
Evidence collected from each of the four vehicles will now be reviewed by EPA’s Enforcement Review Panel which may result in the drivers receiving an official warning, an individual fine of almost $800 or a body corporate fine of more than $1500.
The drivers will also receive a 55AC Notice to have their vehicles tested by an approved noise tester. The owners will need to make any repairs or modifications as required to ensure their vehicles are compliant before they are retested.
The notice requires the registered owner to lodge a Certificate of Compliance with EPA, which can only be obtained from the approved noise tester if the vehicle is compliant.
EPA can suspend a vehicle’s registration if a Certificate of Compliance is not provided.
EPA’s Regulatory Practice and Strategy Executive Director Chris Webb said noisy vehicles were unacceptable, particularly when they had been deliberately modified for performance.
“It shows a blatant disregard for the community members who have a right to live in an environment that is free from preventable noisy disturbances,” he said.
“Noisy vehicles can cause annoyance, sleep disturbance and other health impacts. Motorists need to ensure their vehicles are kept within legal noise limits.”
EPA manages noisy vehicles through receiving reports from Victorian Police Officers and at roadside operations. Last financial year, EPA issued 57 fines and 11 official warnings through the roadside vehicle program.
EPA will be planning further roadside operations with Victoria Police throughout the year.
For further information on noisy vehicles, please visit: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/noise/motor-vehicle-train-and-tram-noise